A senior official from the R&A in St Andrews will swap a gentle stroll down the fairway for the gruelling charity challenge of a lifetime.
David Rickman will cover almost 1000 miles during a cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End.
The 46-year-old, who is the director of rules and equipment standards at the R&A, has given himself just nine days to complete the mammoth ride.
David said the challenge would represent a “rare departure” from his beloved golf course. Having already raised an incredible £20,000, he also revealed that the cash would be going to a charity very close to his heart.
“I am doing the ride in memory of my father Geoffrey Rickman, who died of an incurable lung condition last year,” David told The Courier.
“The marathon ride of almost 1000 miles consists of cycling the length of Britain in nine days, which is a bit scary to say the least.
“However, having seen the devastating effects of pulmonary fibrosis first hand, I am determined to raise as much money as I can to help fund the care work and research initiatives of the British Lung Foundation.”
David will set off from Land’s End on Sunday and, all being well, should arrive in John o’ Groats on Monday, May 30.
Having “survived” a 120-mile cycle at the weekend, the adventurer said he was praying “for a week of southerly winds” to help ease his progress on what has been dubbed the UK’s ultimate cycling challenge.
“Even though I have been training quite hard, the prospect of cycling over 100 miles a day for nine straight days is a daunting one,” he confessed. “I hope I am ready for the challenge.”
Having set a target of £20,000, David said he initially feared he had been wildly optimistic.
Nevertheless, the test of endurance is something he has begun to relish and, with cash continuing to pour in, he knows it is far too late for a change of heart.
“Everything about this challenge is too big to comprehend,” he joked. “It will be tough but I am determined to succeed and raise as much cash as possible.”
David is set to spend up to nine hours a day in the saddle once he sets off from the north of Scotland.Anyone keen to learn more about the cycle challenge can visit ukend2end.com. Those keen to sponsor David ahead of his expedition can visit virginmoneygiving.com.